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Airworthiness

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  • Virtually all aircraft will have an initial safety certificate. The aircraft will then need to complete ongoing airworthiness checks and approvals. Aircraft with a single seat and microlight aircraft under 300kg are exempt from airworthiness rules.

    Certification

    The standard and type of certification varies depending on how the aircraft was built and what it is used for. Most recreational aircraft have either a Certificate of Airworthiness (this is most common for factory built aircraft) or a Permit to Fly (commonly for; microlights, amateur built aircraft or ex military aircraft).

    • Information on obtaining or renewing a certificate of airworthiness
    • Permit to fly

    Occasionally aircraft can move from a Certificate of Airworthiness (C of A) to a Permit to Fly (P to F). This normally happens when the manufacturer of the aircraft no longer exists and there is no other body to support it.

    • Guidance for owners who are considering moving from a C of A to a Permit

    Registration

    Before an aircraft can be awarded a UK certificate of airworthiness or permit to fly it must be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority.

    • How to register an aircraft, change ownership details and search the UK register

    UK registered aircraft with a fitted radio will need a licence for the radio equipment. For further information please visit our radio licensing section.

    We also publish guidance on the restoration and rebuild of ex military aircraft.

General aviation

Read all @UK_CAA

General aviation News

Significant changes made to help General Aviation 23 October, 2019

BMAA sign new licensing agreement with CAA 17 June, 2019

Class D airspace consultation – VMC changes on the way 15 April, 2019

Read all News

General aviation Blogs

Bringing ADS-B surveillance trials to airfields 1 March, 2019

Girls in aviation day 22 October, 2018

Tackling crime and improving safety 4 October, 2018

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